Notes on a napkin

1.) As Augustine illustrates, our soul is the "conduit" between our mind and the Spirit (or Holy Spirit), or as John called it, the Spirit of Truth. Many interesting terms used: Holy Spirit, Advocate (Latin ad-vocatus), Intercessor, Paraclete (Greek parakleitos). All the same. This "Spirit of Truth" acting as conduit between individual humans and God. As Hebrew scripture warns in Exodus 19:21, that even to gaze upon God, many would perish, so humans are incapable of direct contact with God, we like a tiny moth fluttering into the burning Sun. So through Jesus/Holy Spirit/Advocate/Intercessor/Paraclete (and how about Holy Ghost!) we can know the ways of God. And to be "born again" or turned around, turned toward the light of God, we surrender that inner monologue --that "voice in our head" -- over to God, and God allows the Holy Spirit/Advocate/Intercessor/Paraclete to speak and teach and guide our thoughts. And as John says, the Paraclete is teacher as well as accuser (teaching us right from wrong). Our conscience is made anew!


2.) "I shall ask the Father,
and he will give you another Advocate
to be with you forever,
that Spirit of truth
whom the world can never receive
since it neither sees nor knows him" (John 14:16-17)

3.) Felix seems depressed, perhaps time to set him free?

4.) "Give me chastity and continence, but not just now." --Augustine

5.) "It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes" --Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)